November 25, 2021

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Your City; Your Newspaper November 25, 2021

VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 45

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ABOVE: The Martensville High School senior girls volleyball team competed at the 4A Provincials in Moosomin this past weekend and came out with a 5th place position. Each match-up saw incredible plays and talent from each player.

Photo credit: Jamie McMillan

Page 2 - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

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Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall.

Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of November 19th Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions.

Aquatic Centre - Closed for the season City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Open for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open

Proof of Vaccination, Living with Covid-19, Testing Kits Effective October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test will be implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses, and event venues that bring groups of people together.

More detail can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 under Public Health Orders COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics.

Watch for vaccination clinics and opportunities for vaccinations are through pharmacies and pop-up clinics.

A list of upcoming clinics throughout the province is available at www.saskhealthauthority.ca

City of Martensville Hall Play & Winter Program UpdateTwinkleCity Tours, Hours of Operation: Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 12th the Sports Centre. It will be an Monday to atFriday afternoon full of fun activities for kids!

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

(Excluding Statutory Holidays)

City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca

Christmas Light Displays! Nominate your house, a neighbor, or any home that you think has a great display for the holiday season. Find the QR Code on Facebook to simply add the nominee!

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

For more information about upcoming Recreation Programs and Events, contact the MAP or visit the Martensville Facebook Page.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021.

Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

Foster the success of your students with diverse learning needs.

December Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

Committee of the Whole- December 14th Regular Council Meeting -December 21st The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

CERTIFICATE OF EXTENDED STUDIES & INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

Winter is Coming and Snow Removal is Too – What You Need to Know The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

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Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions promptly.

There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe - Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of fire.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

-Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal- In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

-Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks- Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

Repair and Replacement Service PLUS Flat Glass Services!!

martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - Page 3 “Bringing the Tools to You!!”

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•Automotive Repair Specialists or call 361-4527Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30 801 Centennial Dr. North •Advanced technology & diagnostics facility Visit www.JAGplus.ca today!!

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

City of Martensville Planning Unique Winter Activity Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville will be offering a unique opportunity this December. On Sunday, December 12th, they will be partnering up with SaskOutdoors, Sask Lotteries, and Wildernook Fresh Air Learning to offer a magical evening lantern walk experience.

The first step of this event will include lantern building indoors at the North Ridge Community Centre, which will be followed by a Lantern Walk throughout Kinsmen Park, that will depart from and return to the Community Centre.

This is a family-friendly event, where those participating can spend hands-on creative time together constructing lanterns, then enjoy a guided interpretive walk afterwards, all while joining families internationally, who bring light into the darkest days of the year by participating in lantern walks.

The Lantern Walk will provide an opportunity for kids to share their light in an outdoor lantern procession. All children must attend with an adult and those attending should be able to comfortably walk on uneven ground as the event will be on foot. It is recommended to bring warm layers; long underwear, winter jackets, winter boots, toques, mitts, etc. so you are comfortable outdoors for approximately 30 to 40 minutes during the lantern walk.

Those with younger children can also consider pulling a sled.

Register for this event by visiting www.martensville.ca. Registration closes on Friday, December 10th. Available timeslots include 5:00pm, 6:30pm and 8:00pm.

Proof of vaccination and ID will be required, as well as masks for each person attending to wear indoors. Anyone experiencing COVID symptoms, or recently in contact with a positive case are asked to stay home.

MCRP Staying Vigilant Through COVID Pandemic Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) is a group of local volunteers that created a registered charity that, through numerous fundraisers throughout the year, helps bring the City of Martensville closer to the end goal of constructing a multi-purpose recreation facility in the community.

Some of the fundraisers that the MCRP hosts each year include the Fall 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament, Cabaret and Dance, NHL Playoff Draft, TUFF Run, Party on the Pond and more.

Since inception, the MCRP, along with the efforts of community volunteers have raised $2.8 million. “We believe we can raise more funds over the next few months from donations, sponsorships and in-kind contributions. We feel that the events we run not only bring in funds for the new facility but have also built a sense of community and pride in our city. We will continue to offer these events after the completion of the rink,” MCRP Chairperson Jesse Reis said.

Currently, there is a group hard at work planning Party on the Pond, which will be an outdoor hockey tournament that takes place on ice surfaces within the community.

The first Party on the Pond was held in 2020 and the two-day 19+ event included the tournament, beer gardens, along with Friday and Saturday night events which included supper. The group planning this event is not part of the MCRP; however, all proceeds are donated to the group and numerous MCRP members, along with many other volunteers for the event.

The past year and a half has been difficult for the MCRP as they have been forced to cancel numerous events and donations have been less consistent as people and businesses have uncertainty. Because of this, the group got creative and looked for other ways to raise money which included a house build, which saw both material and labour donated by many local businesses and the proceeds from the sale of the home go towards supporting the MCRP.

“There have also been some major contributions during the pandemic from those who see the potential of what this facility can and will bring to the community and region. We're still in conversations with organizations for donations so if anyone is interested, please contact the MCRP,” Reis said.

For anyone looking to get involved, contact the MCRP at info@mcrp.ca or visit www.mcrp.ca for more information. “We are always looking for new members.

You can help with fundraising, making introductions or connections, or other areas,” Reis added. Watch for more announcements from the MCRP this spring!

ABOVE: The MCRP hosted the first Party on the Pond event in March of 2020. A group is hard at work planning the next one, which will take place in March 2022.

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The Governments Of Canada And Saskatchewan Are Making Life More Affordable For Families Through Reduced Child Care Fees

Since signing the early learning and child care agreements with the federal government in August, the Government of Saskatchewan has delivered a wage increase and training opportunities for early childhood educators (ECEs) ensuring families and their children have access to high quality and inclusive child care in the province.

Today, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced that as a first step toward making child care more affordable for children aged 0 to 5, funding will be provided to licensed facilities that will reduce parents’ out-of-pocket child care fees by about half on average, retroactive to July 1, 2021. This initial reduction is the first step toward reaching the 2025-26 goal of, on average, $10 a day licensed child care in Saskatchewan.

“The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to making life more affordable for families,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Through reducing fees and delivering more child care options, we are continuing to build a stronger Saskatchewan for families across the province.”

Funding is being provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement signed in August 2021.

“Our government’s goal is to ensure that in five years, all families, no matter where they live, will have access to regulated early learning and child care for an average of $10 a day,” Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould, said. “This is a meaningful step toward achieving that goal. We are happy that many families in Saskatchewan will benefit from a significant fee reduction of hundreds of dollars per month on average as envisioned in the Canada-wide plan.”

All families with children under the age of six who are in provincially licensed child care are eligible to receive the parent fee reduction grant, which will range from up to $306/month to up to $395/month depending on the age of the child and the type of child care. Funding will be supplied directly to licensed facilities and will be used to reduce parent fees.

Depending on age of the child and the fees they have paid, parents can expect a refund for a portion of the child care fees they have paid dating back to July 1, 2021. For example, a parent with a toddler that has been in licensed child care since July 1, 2021, and that paid $700 a month, can expect a refund of just under $2,000. Going forward, by February 1, 2022, the fees parents pay out of pocket will be significantly reduced.

Grants to reduce parent fees will be provided to licensed homes and child care centres based on the average provincial parent fees and actual enrolments. Child care providers will be responsible for the distribution of funds to eligible families for the retroactive component. Funding will be provided to existing licensed child care homes and centres retroactive to July 1, 2021. Following that, the grants provided to child care facilities will enable them to provide service at significantly reduced fees.

“Addressing affordability is an exciting initial step in building an Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association Executive Director Georgia Lavallee said. “High quality ELCC is a right of all children, which many do not have access to due to high fees. Children in Saskatchewan will have equitable opportunities to the best start in their lives reducing ELCC fees.”

Information from licensed providers will be gathered to determine enrolment information that will be used to calculate the amount of funding required for the parent fee grant.

The actual amounts for the retroactive payment back to July 1, 2021, and the reduced out of pocket fees will vary based on what each provider currently charges and the age of your child. Parents or caregivers who have questions about the grant can contact the ministry’s Early Years branch by email at canadawideelccagreementinquiries@gov. sk.ca or by phone at 1-855-824-9419.

The parent fee reduction grant will only be provided to child care facilities that are licensed with the Ministry of Education. The ministry continues to encourage existing unlicensed child care providers to become licensed so families can start benefiting from the fee reduction. Upon becoming licensed, currently operating unlicensed providers will be eligible to receive funding to reduce parent fees retroactive to the date of their completed application submission.

More information on how to become a licensed child care facility can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/entrepreneurs-start-or-exit-a-business/start-abusiness/managing-a-child-care-business/start-a-child-care-centre.

The Government of Canada is making a transformative investment to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in partnership with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. This includes a historic federal investment of close to $1.1 billion in child care for Saskatchewan. The goal is to bring fees for regulated child care down to $10 per day on average within the next five years. By the end of 2022, the Government of Canada is aiming to reduce average fees for regulated early learning and child care by 50 per cent to make it more affordable for families.

Page 4 - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - martensville messenger

SaskPower Announces Mass Smart Meter Deployment

SaskPower is set to begin installing smart meters on residences across Saskatchewan. This follows a successful pilot that saw 17,000 volunteers receive residential smart meters this year.

"Smart meters are an important part of our efforts to build a modern power grid in Saskatchewan," Minister Responsible for SaskPower Don Morgan said. "These meters will allow SaskPower to respond to outages faster, ensure accurate billing, and provide customers with detailed information about power use to help them save on their bills."

Smart meters will allow SaskPower to detect when an outage occurs. Currently, SaskPower relies on customers ABOVE: SaskPower plans to install smart to report outages. The visibility meters on residences across the province. provided by smart meters will allow the company to respond more quickly.

"We are pleased with the results of the pilot and are looking forward to making the benefits of smart meters available to everyone in Saskatchewan,” SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh said. “We are beginning the program with a number of farm and rural customers because they typically receive a meter reading once a year, unlike SaskPower’s urban customers, whose meters are typically read every three months.”

Customers across the province will receive their smart meters during the next few years as supply allows. SaskPower’s deployment plan is scalable and responsive to the availability of meters, which has been affected by the ongoing global microchip shortage.

In addition to the 17,000 meters deployed during the residential pilot, an additional 45,000 commercial and industrial (C&I) smart meters have been installed province wide. There have been no issues with any of the smart meters, which were built to SaskPower’s industry-leading specifications.

For more information about our power future, visit saskpower.com/ smartmeters.

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Kinette Club Going Strong to Raise Money for Telemiracle Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville and District Kinettes Club have been busy raising money to give back to the community with several events currently taking place.

The newest event is a Christmas Show with Sprinkles the Clown called ‘Christmas is Coming’. It takes place on Wednesday, December 8th with two shows at 1 pm and 7pm at the Northridge Community Centre in Martensville. The cost is $5 per person and all children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated parent/adult. If you have a family of more than 4, there is a $20 family rate. Also, if you have a daycare, there will be a special rate as well. You can contact Tracy at martensvillekinettes@gmail.com regarding this discount.

Jodi Martens with the Kinsmen club said that tickets can be purchased beforehand by e-transfer to martensvillekinettes@gmail.com. They ask that you put in the comments who will be attending the show.

She also stated that with the money from this event, they will be filling up baskets to deliver to families in need that were nominated by people in the community.

They will be delivering the baskets on December 22. If you are still wanting to donate you can reach out to them through the email above.

The second event is the Toy Bingo for Telemiracle.

“This will be on December 5 and will be held at Brian King Centre in Warman at 3:00 pm – doors open at 2:30. You can purchase your bingo cards early and save,” said Martens. One booklet of tickets is $10 or three booklets for $20. They will be available at the Pharmasave in Martensville or The Legends Centre in Warman, and they accept cash only.

They will have great prizes with an Xbox and extra controller as the final game prize.

Also watch for the second annual Santa Claus Tour which we be held on December 11 and 12.

All proceeds for this will also be going to Telemiracle.

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SPORTS

Royals Senior Recruited to Regina

Keep the Community up-to-date martensville on messenger - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - Page 5 your team scores, events, photos and tournaments. Submit material BELOW: The Martensville High School senior girls volleyball team competed at the to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it 4A Provincials off at the Martensville Messenger in Moosomin this past weekend and came out with a 5th place position.

Office at Bay #7 - 301 Centennial Each match-up saw incredible plays and talent from each player.

Drive North to be included in our Janine Hayward weekly sports report.

Martensville Messenger

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville High School Royals football team just celebrated a huge win on Saturday, November 13th after playing an undefeated season of football and winning the Provincial finals. This year’s team consisted of 16 seniors, one of which was # 88 Toryn SwystunBernes.

Swystun-Bernes, who is 6’3” and 250 lbs, plays defensive end and began playing tackle football with the Martensville Maddogs as a Peewee and then as a Bantam.

ABOVE: The U15 AA Marauders brought back the Medicine Hat Hounds AAA Tournament Championship to Saskatchewan this From there, Swystun-Bernes went on to play with the past weekend. They fought hard and pulled together against the Hounds beating them 5 – 0.

SMF North Academy before being chosen for the U16 Team Sask in 2019. In the Fall of 2019, he began playing with the Martensville Royals as a starter in his rookie year. This past year was a big achievement for the young football player as he was asked to come play with the North Sask Varsity team.

In 2020, Swystun-Bernes was invited to play on the Western Canadian U16 All Star team; however, SMF was forced to cancel all spring football due to the COVID pandemic. Following that, SMF created a modified league in which Swystun-Bernes was named most outstanding lineman in the league. This past year, he played the SMF 2021 Spring Season, followed by his last season of high school football as a captain.

Having won numerous awards during his football career, Swystun-Bernes has also been named to the CFC Top 100 on numerous occasions.

Earlier this month, Toryn was offered a scholarship through the University of Regina Rams, where he will be taking Business Admin. “It was an unreal and shocking feeling that the Rams saw my potential and how I could fit into their roster enough to cover my university degree. I plan on making it well worth their investment every time I am on the field.” Following university, Toryn would like to continue pursuing football by playing in the CFL or NFL.

Having dealt with fine motor skills delays, speech and language delays, and Dyslexia, Swystun-Bernes puts in even more work to ensure he can succeed both on and off the field. As a way to improve fine motor skills, the young athlete keeps his fitness level high.

Next year, Toryn is looking forward to playing for Rams Head Coach Mark McConkey; however, credits much of his success to some of his past coaches including Grant Currie, James Mueller, Carter Dyck, Chad Palmer, Brian Guebert, and current coach of his provincial championship team the Martensville Royals, Craig Robertson.

Raised by a single mother, Swystun-Bernes knows what hard work looks like and pushes himself to ensure he makes his coaches proud. “Thank you to my mom Pamela, who raised me and never missed a game or practice while working multiple jobs. Also, thank you to Derek & Margie Bertsch, Marla Janzen & Ray Dulos, and my siblings Kaine, Sydney and Zaylan for all the support throughout the years.”

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Page 6 - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - martensville messenger

martensville messenger - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Better Utilization of U.S. Health Care Needed

Long before COVID-19, people were complaining Canada’s public health system was broken.

It isn’t. COVID-19 may have actually proven that, yes, our public health system keeps our taxes high. And, yes, it may not always necessarily produce the cutting edge medical advancements that we see from the U.S. … although, why Americans are world leaders health in care advancement is complex.

Perhaps as critical as being the richest nation in the world is having a critical population mass, creating a situation where doctors are allowed to delve in the treatment of rarer conditions that don’t often occur in countries with smaller population bases.

The net result of all this has made the Americans world leaders in medical advancements, so it was hardly surprising that the U.S. would lead the way in developing vaccines for COVID-19. Perhaps more surprising is that U.S. — with the world’s best medicine at its disposal — would also lead the world in COVID-19-related deaths.

The cost of having the greatest health care in the world, ironically, is that not everyone in the U.S can afford to access it. This is evidence in the much steeper human toll Americans have paid after nearly two years of a worldwide pandemic. We in Canada were admittedly slower in developing and distributing vaccines. Because we have a public system more likely to pinch pennies, provinces like Saskatchewan ran out of ICU space when hit by the fourth wave, but it’s even more important to note that Canada has only had 29,458 known deaths from COVID-19 or 784 per 100,000 people. By comparison, the U.S. has now registered 762,206 COVID-19 deaths or 2,322 per 100,000 people.

Clearly, our health care system isn’t any more broken than others. That said, it’s actually very helpful living next door to the U.S. as a health care giant as it is living next to the U.S. as an economic giant. Sometimes, we accept this and better utilize this relationship.

It angers the left and Medicare purists that some people go to the U.S. for certain medical procedures because they can afford to do so. They have done so for years because it avoids waiting in Canadian queue for non-life-threatening surgeries. Even more irritating to the left has been governments like Saskatchewan recognizing that maybe allowing some hybrid elements of privatized health care in Canada would might actually help avoid richer Canadians going to the U.S. for treatment and enhance our system here, but richer or poorer, what we should all agree is that on very rare occasions our still very good health system in Canada cannot provide medical treatments and that we should all pitch in and cover the costs for treatment.

Sadly this hasn’t been the reality for the family of five-year-old Conner Finn, who have incurred a $832,000 bill for surgery only available at the University of Minnesota to deal with his rare and sometimes fatal cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).

The Finns requested funding for out-of-country treatment for Conner that is available when a procedure isn’t available in Canada. Initially, they were denied by the health department bureaucracy, but that ruling was overturned by the Health Service Review Committee.

“Unfortunately, the ministry decided to ignore that recommendation and still denied our claim a second time,” father Craig Finn said last spring.

Because the surgery was needed immediately, the Finns had to liquidate their retirement savings to pay for it. Last week, they went to the Saskatchewan legislature to plead directly to Health Minister Paul Merriman to reconsider and offer help. The Saskatchewan Party government should do this. And it should have never come to this.

We have a great health system, but we need to recognize its shortcomings. Mostly, we need to abide by its very principle — that everyone has the right to health care.

Exciting New Investments in Saskatchewan’s Future - Investing in the future was a major topic of debate this week as our government works to ensure Saskatchewan continues to lead the country in investment potential. Already, companies have announced billions of dollars for projects that will create more jobs and draw more talent to the province.

The work already done has led to major announcements such as the $12 billion BHP Jansen Potash Mine, Viterra and Cargill have each started on canola processing facilities for Regina, Ceres Global Ag has invested in a canola plant of their own at Northgate and Richardson International is doubling their processing capacity.

One of the newest opportunities was the Speech from the Throne announcement that will create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation. Our government is providing $75 million in financing to Indigenous communities and organizations interested in making equity investments in resource development projects.

Working to become a world leader in helium production, our government has initiated a plan that will see Saskatchewan supply ten per cent of the global helium market by 2030.

The Helium Action Plan released this week, outlines that goal by providing policy and program commitments to support and grow the value chain. The plan is focused on exploration, production, innovation, processing and export infrastructure.

The economic benefits are numerous with more than 500 new permanent jobs expected, thousands of construction and service sector positions, an addition of 150-plus helium wells and 15 production facilities that will combine to generate more than $500 million in annual helium exports.

Making Child Care More Affordable - Continuing to build on the Speech from the Throne announcements of wage increases and new training opportunities for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), we have taken steps towards making child care more affordable for Saskatchewan families.

Through a partnership with the federal government, funding will be provided to licensed facilities to reduce parents’ out-of-pocket expenses for child care fees for children five years of age and younger.

Grants will be retroactive to July 1, 2021 and licensed facilities will pass that funding onto eligible families.

After that, grants will be provided to facilities in order for them to provide service at significantly reduced fees.

These changes will also create a need for more ECEs. Therefore, investments are being made to support the labour market by increasing wages for ECEs and developing new partnerships for training opportunities.

Collège Mathieu, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies are already on board with accelerated training opportunities for both new and current ECEs.

All told, the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement will increase licensed child care spaces by 28,000 by 2025-26.

Improving Post-Secondary Institution Governance - Building on our commitment earlier this year to provide multiyear funding that encourages long-term financial sustainability and support to post-secondary institutions, new legislation was introduced this week to ensure a consistent level of oversight and accountability.

The Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Act, 2021 will apply more broadly to all post-secondary institutions that receive funding from government, update responsibilities and powers of the Minister to improve oversight, centralize grant-making authority and reflect current accountability practices.

As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns, or require assistance with provincial government programs or services, please get in touch with my constituency office.

Letter to the Editor The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

Page 8 - NOVEMBER 25, 2021 - martensville messenger

Great Plains College Partners With Fresh Start To Offer Face-To-Face Counselling Great Plains College and Fresh Start have entered an agreement to provide face-to-face counselling services for students at its college locations.

In-person counselling services will be piloted from November 2021 to February 2022 with the possibility of extension.

“The service is being implemented as part of the overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Keleah Ostrander, director of learner services and adult basic education. “Through this partnership, we will be able to further support mental health and overall wellness for students more effectively.”

Fresh Start’s head office is in Swift Current, but will be deploying counselling services throughout the college’s region, which includes Warman, Martensville, Kindersley, Biggar and Maple Creek. “We are excited to expand our services and to serve the students of the college,” said executive director of Fresh Start, Sally Wiens. “Our counselling services will be available to students experiencing difficulties and will also build on the services the college currently has in place.”

Great Plains College currently offers a Health and Dental benefit program to its students, which includes online counselling services and multiple health and wellness resources. “After gathering institutional data on the effectiveness of mental health and wellness supports at the college, it was determined that there may be a need for more face-to-face services,” explained Ostrander. “We are hoping this will fulfill the need identified and our students feel better supported during these challenging times.”

To book an appointment, students are encouraged to contact a student adviser at the college or phone/text Fresh Start at 306-741-0538. Visit www. greatplainscollege.ca/student-life/student-health-dental for more information.

Business & Professional

Education Act Amended To Ensure Safe Access To Schools

The Government of Saskatchewan is introducing legislation to protect teachers, staff and students while accessing schools. This will ensure families can access schools harassment free while vaccines are rolled out for kids 5-11.

"Similar to the protections provided for patients, staff and families accessing our hospitals it is important that our children, parents, teachers and staff are able to access schools in the province without fear of interference or intimidation," Education Minister Dustin Duncan said. "In particular it is important to ensure our children do not feel scared or threatened."

A 50-metre safe access zone will prevent sidewalk protests or interference near schools that could potentially cause obstructions, delays or harassment for people entering and leaving school properties. There is also regulation-making authority to extend zones up to 150-metre zones.

Lawful labour picketing will still be allowed within the safe access zones. Like hospital safe access zones, the safe zone provisions for schools will also automatically expire two years from the coming into force dates.

or email advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Appraisals

Partner & Senior Appraiser - Warman, SK karen@dynamicappraisals.ca 306-220-9082 www.dynamicappraisals.ca OUR EXPERIENCE SHINES!!

Valley Manor School has created a cookbook and it is now available for purchase to the community of Martensville! We have compiled close to 250 recipes submitted by VMS families and friends. Cookbooks cost $20 each and there is a limited amount available, so orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first serve basis.

Please submit your order form via email at vms@spiritsd. ca. Payment is due at pick up and is cash only.

CALL 306-668-1093

Directory Karen Parmar, AACI, P.App, BComm (Dist.)

Cookbook Available for Purchase at Valley Manor School

Government D

Automotive FREE courtesy cars available

306.975.2140 Message us on FB

7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available - Automotive Repair Specialists - Advanced Technology & 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Diagnostics Facility 801 Centennial Dr. North

Dental

Pharmacy Business

as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

17 Centennial Drive North

306-931-2868

Plumbing

DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON

306-934-4446

#12 - 2nd St S. Martensville www.martensvilledental.ca

CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001

Roofing

FREE ESTIMATES

Residential/Commercial Re-roofs/New construction

scottlandru61@gmail.com scottroofingsask.com (306) 384-7663(roof)

Stick It To COVID: Pediatric Vaccinations Approved

Health Canada has now approved the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for use in five to 11 year olds and more than 112,000 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in Saskatchewan within days, enough to immunize every child in that age group. Parent or guardian consent will be required.

"This is welcome news for families that want the protection that immunization provides for their children against serious disease," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "The immunization of this age cohort will also help to reduce transmission of the virus and ensure that children can continue to enjoy their friends and activities."

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will offer the pediatric vaccines across the province in 221 clinics in 141 communities. A variety of clinics will be offered, including walk-in, booked appointments and extended hours for added convenience. Vaccinations will also be available for five to 11 year olds from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) and participating pharmacies.

Clinics will also be delivered in more than 100 schools with a focus on ensuring parent or guardian attendance to support the children. Information on inschool clinics will be shared with parents and students directly.

Information on locations of participating pharmacies will be updated at www.Saskatchewan.ca/ COVID19-vaccine when the pharmacies have received their supply of pediatric vaccine.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, children under 12 years now account for the highest number of new COVID-19 infections. Clinical trials showed children five to 11 years old had very good immune responses to the vaccine with 90.7 per cent efficacy when they received two doses at least 21 days apart. The optimal interval between doses is eight weeks.

However, families may choose to receive the second dose as early as 21 days after the initial dose.

More information, including details on the vaccine safety, after care and frequently asked questions is available at www.Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine.